Sinusitis (known in ayurveda as Peenasa) starts as a clogged-up feeling in the forehead, eyes, nose and cheeks. Then, if it gets worse, it becomes a pain sharp enough to affect the mood and quality of life.It is a great relief to clear the blocked sinus.
Peenasa is a result of one or more of the para-nasal sinuses getting infected. This can happen when the sinus drainage mechanism gets blocked. The resulting pain can vary according to the sinus affected – it could be the cheeks, forehead, between the eyes or retro-orbital, or on the top of the head.
In the early stages of infection, ayurveda recommends avoiding too windy and cool environments and keeping the head (including the ears) covered to combat the pain. When it comes to food, barley, wheat, pomegranate and horsegram soup are good while sweet items, yoghurt and any cold drinks or food are not. Stressful conditions, anger, daytime naps are also to be avoided.
The Kapha dosha (water element) aggravates this disease, creating phlegm. The Pitta dosha (fire element) causes infection. The Vata dosha (wind element), responsible for draining the phlegm, does not function as per normal due to the obstruction by Kapha. Thus, reducing Kapha and Pitta and clearing the tracts for proper movements of Vata is the treatment principle in this condition.
dasamoola decoction together with cumin seed powder is recommended to Peenasa patients. A dried ginger, pepper and pippali combination is good too, provided the patient has no gastric irritation. Other medication like Vyoshadi Vatakam and Taleesapatradi Vatakam can also be taken.
After treating the infection with herbal medicine, Nasya treatment is used to provide relief. Medicated oil is applied on the face, neck and chest before steaming the areas. Then the prescribed oil is carefully dripped into the nostrils, which helps to drain out phlegm. Other ayurvedic treatments include Nasya Karma and Dhoomapana.
In cases of chronic sinusitis, ayurveda works on improving the patient’s immunity. Medication like Agasthya Rasayanam, Kooshmanda Rasayanam, Chyavanaprasam and Indukantha Ghritam are usually prescribed according to the body conditions. A teaspoon of fresh turmeric and curry leaves (equal quantity, ground into a fine paste) can also be taken early in the morning.
Above all, eating healthy and maintaining good general health is important for preventing sinusitis.
